Research finds women use generative AI less, due to moral concerns (www.unite.ai)

A recent study from Oxford University reveals that women are significantly less likely to use generative AI compared to men, a discrepancy attributed to heightened moral and ethical concerns rather than a lack of skills or access. The research utilizes survey data from the UK and indicates that women's perceptions of AI-related risks—covering mental health, privacy, and societal impacts—play a crucial role in their adoption rates. Notably, among younger users with high digital fluency, the usage gap can exceed 45 percentage points, underscoring a broader trend where moral awareness serves as a barrier to adoption. This finding is critical for the AI/ML community as it highlights the need for more inclusive and understanding approaches to technology development. As women express strong social compassion and ethical considerations, addressing these concerns could not only enhance technology acceptance but also improve the development of AI systems themselves. The study suggests that closing the gender gap requires refining technologies to be safer and more transparent while simultaneously promoting women's perspectives as crucial drivers for positive change in AI. Without this approach, women risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, exacerbating existing gender disparities in tech adoption and career advancement.